Suspect in animal cruelty case taken into custody

Battle Ground Police were assisted by the public and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in locating 35-year-old Andre Tervilleger

A suspect in an animal cruelty investigation by the Battle Ground Police Department has been taken into custody thanks to tips received from the public and the swift action of law enforcement partners at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, Andre Terwilleger, was located and taken into custody without incident, just hours after the case was posted on social media.

“The power of information sharing and community partnerships cannot be overstated. Immediately after the Battle Ground Police Department reached out to the public for assistance in locating a wanted suspect in this animal cruelty case, the post received over 1,000 social media shares and tips began pouring in from the public,’’ read a statement from the Battle Ground Police Department.

“We are truly humbled by the overwhelming support we received on this heartbreaking case,” shared Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn.  “The community’s vigilance and dedication to making our city a safe and compassionate place does not go unnoticed.  Together, we can continue to work towards making Battle Ground a safer, stronger community to live, work, and thrive.”

The Battle Ground Police Department extends its sincerest thanks to the public for their assistance in this case and to Clark County Sheriff John Horch and his deputies for their ongoing partnership and exceptional work in apprehending this individual.

Battle Ground Police officials were seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect following a months-long investigation into a severe case of animal cruelty.

On Nov. 15, 2024, officers responded to a call for service at a residence in the 2100 block of SW 5th Street in Battle Ground. Upon arrival, officers detected a strong odor emanating from the garage area.  Further investigation led to the discovery of nine abandoned dogs, five of which were tragically deceased.  The four remaining dogs were found in a severely malnourished state and in need of urgent medical attention.  The surviving dogs were immediately transported for emergency veterinary care, and all are expected to survive. 

The Battle Ground Detectives unit began their in-depth investigation of the incident which required identifying the individual(s) responsible for the care and wellbeing of the nine dogs.  Investigators also sought assistance from an expert veterinarian from the Humane Society of Southwest Washington and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

After months of investigative work, detectives gathered sufficient evidence to establish that seven counts of Animal Cruelty in the First Degree –Death and two counts of Animal Cruelty in the Second Degree – Owner Fail to Provide, had been committed in this case.  Detectives identified the 35-year-old Terwilleger, a former tenant of the residence, as the individual responsible for the care of the dogs.  Charges were forwarded to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office. 

On Thursday (March 6), the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for Terwilleger’s arrest on the aforementioned charges. 

Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.